Knife crime isn’t as common as you may think, but it does happen. Knife crime can affect anyone, not just people in gangs. What is knife crime? Knife crime is a crime that involves a knife or any sharp object.
Many people don’t realise that as well as stabbing someone it is also illegal to; carry a knife even if it has not been used; threaten someone with a knife or sharp object; own a banned knife: commit a crime using a knife – like robbery; commit a crime by pretending you have a real knife. Any of these actions could result in a criminal record.
Did you know that juveniles aged 12-17 sentenced in a youth court may receive a detention and training order of up to 24 months, and that under the two-strike rule young people aged 16-17 can receive a minimum of four months detention and training order for possession of a knife? If you are over 18 the minimum custodial sentence is six months.
Despite the common misconception that many young people carry knives, in reality 99% of young people don’t carry knives. You must be over 18 to purchase a knife, this includes cutlery and kitchen knives. If you are found guilty of carrying a knife on school premises or in a public space, you could face up to four years in prison. To get help, you can contact Childline or Crimestoppers anonymously. You could also talk to a youth worker, trusted family member or teacher.
It has been proven that if you carry a knife, you are more likely to be targeted by people who want to hurt you.
Speak Out works in partnership with The Harborough Community Safety Partnership.
Sources: https://www.childline.org.uk
You can call Childline on 0800 1111 if you’re worried about your own safety or if you think someone you know is carrying or using a knife
You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you want to report a knife crime.
